Lewis Hall: Why Did He Choose Newcastle Over Manchester United?

Lewis Hall is rapidly becoming one of Newcastle United's most important young players — and the 22-year-old has now revealed that interest from Manchester United wasn't enough to tempt him away from St James' Park.

Hall has started the season strongly under Matthias Jaissle, scored in Saturday's 2–1 victory over Hull City and has established himself as a key part of Newcastle's plans.

So why did he choose Newcastle, how has Jaissle helped him, and just how good could Hall become?

Why Did Lewis Hall Reject Manchester United?

Manchester United showed interest in Hall during the summer, but the defender has made it clear that he saw his future at Newcastle.

That just shows that the hacks saying Hall was open to the move were, as usual, way wide of the mark.

For Hall, the attraction of staying wasn't simply about football.

He has spoken about his connection with the club, the supporters and the North East, and appears convinced that Newcastle is the right place for the next stage of his career.

At only 22, regular Premier League football at a club where he is already established could prove far more valuable than competing for a place elsewhere.

Why Does Matthias Jaissle Rate Lewis Hall So Highly?

Hall appears particularly well suited to the football Jaissle wants Newcastle to play.

He's comfortable in possession, has the energy to get forward and can operate in different areas when Newcastle have the ball.

Jaissle's system asks a lot from his full-backs, who can effectively become attacking players when Newcastle are in possession.

Hall has the technical ability to do that.

Importantly, Jaissle also appears to trust him.

That confidence could be helping Hall take another step forward this season.

What Role Does Hall Play in Jaissle's System?

Hall isn't simply being asked to defend the left side.

When Newcastle attack, he can move forward to provide width, combine with midfield and contribute in the final third.

His goal against Hull demonstrated exactly that attacking threat.

Hall broke forward quickly on a break, arrived in the right position, and produced an excellent finish to put Newcastle 2–0 ahead after only seven minutes.

But there is a balance to find.

Jaissle's aggressive approach can leave Newcastle exposed when possession is lost, meaning Hall also has to recover quickly when attacks break down.

So, he needs to find the right time to leave his full back position, and the right time to stay there.

Hall Commits His Future to Newcastle

Hall has underlined his commitment to Newcastle by signing a new long-term contract until 2031, extending his previous deal by a further two years.

Rather than pursue a move, Hall chose to remain at St James' Park and continue his development under Matthias Jaissle.

At just 22, Newcastle now have one of England's most promising young left-backs tied down for the best part of five more years.

Could Lewis Hall Become England's First-Choice Left-Back?

That's now a realistic ambition for Hall.

After surprisingly being left out of the World Cup squad a decision that left him "gutted" Hall is now back in the latest England squad announced by Tuchel.

England have struggled to establish a long-term first-choice left-back, and Hall's combination of technical ability and attacking threat combined with progress in his defensive ability could see him nail down the position for years to come.

How Important Is Hall to Newcastle's Future?

Very important.

Hall signing a five year contract is a statement from a top player that he still sees Newcastle as team that can help achieve his ambitions - a statement that sends a message that Newcastle fans needed to hear after the raft of big name departures.

The restrictions imposed by financial regulations mean Newcastle's success cannot simply be built around buying established players at their peak.

Developing talented younger players who can improve alongside the club is equally important. Hall fits that model perfectly.

It also sets a marker not only for other young players already at the club, but also those we target, that they can develop , flourish and be well rewarded at SJP.

At just 22, Lewis Hall's best years should still be well ahead of him — and Newcastle look determined to make sure he spends them in black and white.

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